Gas distribution apparatus for artificial logs

ABSTRACT

A gas distribution system is disclosed herein for producing flames about artificial logs which includes a pan having a continuous outwardly sloping sidewall about the periphery of a flat bottom so as to define a firebed. A plurality of elongated gas discharge tubes in an assembly occupy the firebed in fixed spaced apart relationship wherein each tube is formed with a plurality of jet openings facing the underside of the logs for discharging gas. One end of the tubes is closed while the opposite ends are attached, via couplings, to a supply of pressurized gas. Mounting brackets are provided at opposite ends of the tube assembly for supporting the assembly on the pan bottom.

United States Patent 1191 Henry 1 Mar. 18, 1975 GAS DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS FOR 3,543,741 12/1970 Whitehead 431/125 ARTIFICIAL LOGS 3,671,175 6/1972 Campbell 431/328 3,696,801 10/1972 Whitehead 126/127 [76] Inventor: Donald L. Henry, 12208 Park Ave.,

Santa Fe Springs, Calif. 90670 [22] Filed: Mar. 23, 1973 [21] Appl. No.1 344,355

[52] U.S. Cl 126/127, 431/347, 431/125, 126/92 R [51] Int. Cl F24c 3/04, F24b 1/18 [58] Field of Search 431/347, 328, 125; 126/92 R, 120, 127, 165; 239/556, 557, 565, 566

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,416,500 5/1922 Nicolaus 239/556 1,614,746 1/1927 Lyon 2,454,195 11/1948 Moores... 3,110,342 11/1963 Mennell 3,240,206 3/1966 Schutt 126/127 3,385,651 5/1968 Rasmussen et a1. 126/127 3,399,024 8/1968 Branson 239/556 Primary ExaminerJohn J. Camby Assistant Examiner-Henry C. Yuen Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Roger A. Marrs [57] ABSTRACT A gas distribution system is disclosed herein for producing flames about artificial logs which includes a pan having a continuous outwardly sloping sidewall about the periphery of a flat bottom so as to define a firebed. A plurality of elongated gas discharge tubes in an assembly occupy the firebed in fixed spaced apart relationship wherein each tube is formed with a plurality of jet openings facing the underside of the logs for discharging gas. One end of the tubes is closed while the opposite ends are attached, via couplings, to a supply of pressurized gas. Mounting brackets are provided at opposite ends of the tube assembly for supporting the assembly on the pan bottom.

1 Claim, 7 Drawing Figures GAS DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS FOR ARTIFICIAL LOGS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to natural gas igniters or propane and, more particularly, to a gas distribution system for supplying pressurized natural gas or propane to an arrangement of artificial logs as to provide flames thereto simulating the burning of wood logs.

2. Description of the Prior Art In many homes and other living quarters, it has been the conventional practice to make use of artificial logs in a fireplace which are enveloped by gas flame to simulate the burning of wood logs. Generally, the artifical logs are composed of some non-combustible material such as ceramic, brick, clay materials or the like. Such artificial logs will not burn but, preferably, have a tendency to glow or produce embers characteristic of the burning of wood logs. The flame produced is a result of pressurized natural gas or propane being supplied beneath the logs and upon ignition, produces sufficient flame to envelop or surroundv the artificial log arrangement. In such an arrangement, the pressurized natural gas or propane is supplied to the log arrangement via a single pipe formed with a plurality of apertures arranged'in a linear row at the top of the pipe facing the underside of the log arrangement.

Such a gas distribution system has resulted in poor flame envelopment of the log arrangement and, in some cases,, the flame resides either behind the logs or in front of the logs which detracts from the realism desired. Furthermore, at the present time it is current practice to arrange the artificial logs in an asymmetrical arrangement leaving spaces and gaps therebetween to promote flame distribution about the exterior surface of the log in the arrangement. By employing the conventional single tube or pipe distribution of the gas, the flames do not adequately surround the log arrangement or occupy the openings and voids between the logs in the asymmetrical arrangement. Therefore, the flame propagation about the artificial logs does not adequately simulate actual flame propagation as observed such as when wood logs are employed.

Another problem with conventional natural gas distribution systems for artificial logs resides in the fact that the row of apertures along the top of the pipe limit the amount of gas disbursed into the artificial log area and, therefore, relatively few flames are produced to create the natural effect desired. One of the problems in employing a single pipe resides in the fact that more than one pipe requires a specialized mounting for supporting the gas distribution pipes in a desired location. The mounting of a single pipe is relatively simple and can be achieved without difficulty. v

Therefore, a long standing need has existed to provide a natural gas distribution system for supplying pressurized gas to artificial logs whereby the flames surrounding the artificial logs simulate actual log burning.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, the difficulties and problems encountered with conventional artiflciallog gas distribution and igniters are obviated by the present invention which provides a pan having an outwardly sloping and continuous sidewall defining a firebed between the interior opposing wall surfaces thereof. A gas distribution I assembly is supported by brackets on the bottom of the pan which comprises a plurality of tubes arranged in fixed spaced parallel relationship. In one form a pair of tubes are used and in an alternate form three tubes are employed. One end of the tubes is closed while the opposite ends are coupled to a source of pressurized gas via T and L joints. Means are provided for pivotally mounting the assembly so that flame propagation may be selectively directed in front or behind the artificial log arrangement. A plurality of holes are formed in each tube arranged in a row along the side portion of each tube so as to discharge gas around the underside of the logs.

Therefore, it is among the primary objects of the present invention to provide a novel natural gas distribution and ignition system for propagating flame about artificial logs in a realistic manner so as to simulate the burning of wood logs.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel natural gas or propane distribution system for supplying flame to artificial logs which is economical to manufacture and convenient to install.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel gas distribution system for an artificial log arrangement that may be readily moved in front of or behind the log arrangement so as to selectively control the placement of flames emanating from the gas discharge system.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a novel gas distribution and ignition system for artificial logs wherein the logs may be arranged in an asymmetrical manner resting on the flame or gas discharge assembly which occupies the flrebed of a pan supported on the floor of a fireplace.

Another added feature is that the gas supply can be on either side of the fireplace. The firepan and burner is reversible to be adaptable to be placed in either side position thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention showing one embodiment of a gas discharge assembly comprising a pair of tubes movably supported in a pan flrebed;

FIG. 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the present invention as taken in the direction of arrows 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing the closed end of a selected one of the tubes in the gas dis charge assembly as taken in the direction of arrows 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a gas discharge tube shown in FIG. I as taken in the direction of arrows 55 thereof;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment I of the present invention employing at least three gas discharge tubes; and

FIG. 7 is another variation of the invention shown in FIG. I using a single tube bent to form two burners.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, the natural gas distribution and ignition system of the present invention is illustrated in the general direction of arrow 10 which includes a pan 11 having a bottom 12 about which a continuous peripheral sidewall 13 upwardly projects and outwardly slopes from the edge thereof. The bottom of the pan is supported on the floor of a fireplace such as by legs 14 and 15 which are also disposed on the other side of the pan. Preferably, the pan is composed of sheet metal and the sidewall 155 is suitably joined at the respective corners by any convenient fastening means. The opposing inner wall surfaces of wall 13 define a firebed area into which the gas distribution assembly is disposed. The assembly is indicated in the general direction of arrow 16 and, in one form, comprises a pair of tubes 17 and 18 which are arranged in fixed parallel spaced relationship.

Each tube in the assembly includes an elongated pipe, such as tube 17, that is closed at end 20 by any suitable means and that is coupled at its opposite end to a source of pressurized gas 21 by means of couplings orjoints. In the present instance, an elbow joint 22 connects tube 17 to a short conduit 23 that is joined to one side of a T joint 24. The T joint is coupled to a conduit 25 and to the supply pipe 21 via an elbow joint 26. The tube 17 includes a plurality of openings, such as opening 27, that are formed in a row across the length of the tube. As shown more clearly in FIG. 3, the apertures or holes 27 are arranged in one row that is arranged on the side portion of the tube so as to discharge gas to the side beneath the underside of the artificial logs. It is to be understood that tube 18 is constructed with the plurality of apertures in a similar fashion to that just described with respect to tube 17. Tube 18 is connected to the supply of natural gas 21 via the T joint 24.

Preferably. conduit 25 is supported on the sidewall 13 of the pan by means of a supporting hole formed therein. The opposite end of the tube assembly is permitted to rest on the bottom 12 as shown in FIG. 4. The tube assembly is retained in this position by means of a bracket 30 which is suitably carried on bottom 12 and partially encircles one of the tubes, such as tube 18, near its closed end.

With respect to FIG. 2, it can be seen that by providing the tube connection 18 with T joint 24 in a loose fashion, the tube 17 may be rotated as shown in broken lines. The rotation of tube 17 will be along the longitudinal axis of tube 18 so that tube 17 may be disposed on either side of tube 18.

In FIG. 3, it can be seen that tube 18 lies along the central longitudinal axis of pan 11 so that the positioning of tube 17 may be on either side thereof. Also, closed end 20 is associated with tube 17 while closed end 20' is associated with tube 18.

Referring to FIG. 4, bracket 30 serves as an anchor mount for holding the end of tube 18 wherein both the tube and the bracket are supported on the bottom 12 of pan II.

In FIG. 5, attention is directed to the row of apertures formed in tube 18 and that the apertures are formed in the side portion of the tube. The apertures form gas jets for discharging the pressurized natural gas therethrough in a dispersal pattern conductive to producing the flame propagation about the log arrangement. It is again to be understood that the joint attachment between the end of tube 18 and Tjoint 24 is of a threaded type to form a swivel so that the tube 18 will remain with its openings or gas discharge jets remaining in forward facing disposition while the Tjoint pivots with the end of tube 18 and its threaded connection with joint 26.

Referring now in detail to FIG. 6, a similar gas discharge assembly is shown wherein a third tube 31 is employed in addition to tubes 17 and 18. Tube 31 is constructed in an identical fashion to that of tubes 17 and 18 and is connected to a union 32 via conduit 33 and an elbow joint 34. In this construction or embodiment, the tubes are stationary and rotation is not intended since the tube 31 occupies the area between tube 18 and the continuous wall of the pan. Tube 18 employs less holes than the outer tube. The holes in tubes 17 and 31 will point down and outward.

In FIG. 7 it is noted that there is a similarity to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Operation is exactly the same as FIG. 1; however, the difference is the use of a single tubular piece 35 of conduit bent in the middle, to form two burners. The apertures in the center tube face to the rear of the pan. This was made necessary because the proximity of the front tube makes it impossible to drill from the front.

Fixture attachment is accomplished through the use of conduit to pipe adapter with double compression rings.

It is to be understood that the pan and gas distribution system of the present invention may be sized to fit on top of a conventional fireplace grate and fasteners such as an elongated plate and bolts and nuts may be used to attach the pan so as to be directly carried on the grate.

In actual operation, the artificial logs may be place on top of the gas distribution assembly and when the source of pressurized gas, such as natural or propane, is introduced to the assembly via a conventional shutoff valve (not shown), gas will be discharged through the holes or apertures in each of the tubes.

Once the natural gas or propane has been ignited, flames will surround the artificial log arrangement and the logs will glow. Some logs, depending upon composition, will expose peripheral coal areas which will simulate burning.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention in its broader aspects and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A natural gas or propane distribution apparatus for use in connection with producing flames about an arrangement of artificial logs resting in a firebed above the distribution apparatus, the combination comprismg:

a pan having a bottom and a continuous sidewall extending about the peripheral edge of said bottom So as to define a firebed area between the opposing inner wall surfaces;

a gas distribution assembly disposed in said firebed area having one end thereof supported on said bottom and its opposite end supported on said sidewall so that gas distribution assembly is raised above said bottom;

said gas distribution assembly including at least a pair of tubes closed at their ends supported on said bottom and arranged in parallel, fixed spaced apart relationship to produce an irregular, asymmetrical flame pattern and operably coupled at their opposite ends to a source of pressurized natural gas or propane, each of said tubes having at least one row of holes formed therein along the side portion of each tube providing gas discharge jets directed at an opposing surface of said sidewall;

means for anchoring a selected one of said pair of tubes to said pan bottom;

the row of said holes associated with one of said tubes are arranged in an array facing the rear of said pan while the other rows of said holes associated with said other tube faces the front of said pan;

said selected one of said pair of tubes lies along the central longitudinal axis of said pan;

the other tube of said pair than said selected one is joined to said gas supply source and said selected tube by a swivel connection so as to rotate from one side of said selected tube to the other side thereof;

said tubes are closed at their respective cantilevered ends;

said sidewall extends outwardly and slopes upwardly;

and

said other tube is coupled to said swivel connection by an elbow joint and a linear conduit. 

1. A natural gas or propane distribution apparatus for use in connection with producing flames about an arrangement of artificial logs resting in a firebed above the distribution apparatus, the combination comprising: a pan having a bottom and a continuous sidewall extending about the peripheral edge of said bottom so as to define a firebed area between the opposing inner wall surfaces; a gas distribution assembly disposed in said firebed area having one end thereof supported on said bottom and its opposite end supported on said sidewall so that gas distribution assembly is raised above said bottom; said gas distribution assembly including at least a pair of tubes closed at their ends supported on said bottom and arranged in parallel, fixed spaced apart relationship to produce an irregular, asymmetrical flame pattern and operably coupled at their opposite ends to a source of pressurized natural gas or propane, each of said tubes having at least one row of holes formed therein along the side portion of each tube providing gas discharge jets directed at an opposing surface of said sidewall; means for anchoring a selected one of said pair of tubes to said pan bottom; the row of said holes associated with one of said tubes are arranged in an array facing the rear of said pan while the other rows of said holes associated with said other tube faces the front of said pan; said selected one of said pair of tubes lies along the central longitudinal axis of said pan; the other tube of said pair than said selected one is joined to said gas supply source and said selected tube by a swivel connection so as to rotate from one side of said selected tube to the other side thereof; said tubes are closed at their respective cantilevered ends; sAid sidewall extends outwardly and slopes upwardly; and said other tube is coupled to said swivel connection by an elbow joint and a linear conduit. 